Volpaia Balifico Toscana 2019

96 points Falstaff Guide: "Dark ruby red color. On the nose initially fine savouriness, then cranberry confit, a touch of sealing wax, in the background fine cherry aromas, as well as gently of cold smoke. On the palate very juicy and very bright, opens with clear fruit and noble savoury nuances, also on fine balsamic tones, very elegant with certain ageing potential. Alcohol 14%. (2/10/23)"

95 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "Composed of 65% Sangiovese and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Balifico is unfolding with complex layers of tobacco, leather, plum, and violets. Fleshy and supple, with a round texture and finely polished tannins, it offers ripe and weightless notes of black cherry, forest floor, and mocha. Drink: 2025-2040. (1/26/23)"

94 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The organic 2019 Balifico is a blend of 65% Sangiovese and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak for a standard 18 months. You get a lot of volume and texture in this sunny Tuscany red. It offers thick layers of blackberry and dried currant with sweet earth and tarry smoke. With 7,000 bottles made, you get a lot of drinking pleasure with Balifico. Drink: 2022-2030. (Feb 2023)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2019 Balifico is powerful, dense and quite expressive. Black cherry, plum, leather, tobacco and chocolate give the 2019 notable density to match its extroverted personality. Balifico is a blend of 65% Sangiovese and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Cabernet very much driving the wine's personality. Drink: 2025-2039. (Jul 2022)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "This dark, brooding red is also ripe, offering smoky black cherry, blackberry, iron and leafy tobacco flavors. Tightly wound, with rigid tannins that need to be absorbed, yet the lasting impression is sweet fruit. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2024 through 2038. (9/30/22)"

93 points James Suckling: "Tar and crushed stone on the nose, together with black cherries and violets. Medium-bodied with tight, firm tannins that run the length of the wine. Fresh and vivid at the end. Sangiovese and cabernet. From organically grown grapes. Try this in a year or two, when it will have opened. (7/4/22)"